Path of Exile 2: Tips for Locating More Citadels

After completing the main campaign and the Cruel difficulty Acts 1 through 3, players in Path of Exile 2 reach the Endgame and gain access to the Atlas of Worlds. Within the Atlas map, players will encounter a variety of unique structures that offer distinct gameplay mechanics or challenges, such as the Realmgate, Lost Towers, the Burning Monolith, and the elusive Citadels.

Citadels stand out as one of the most challenging endgame objectives. While Lost Towers rise above the Fog of War and the Realmgate and Burning Monolith spawn near the Atlas start point, Citadels can be harder to spot. With the 0.1.1 update, Citadels will become more visible from a distance, but if you're struggling to locate them on your Atlas map, here are some tips to help you find more Citadels in Path of Exile 2.

What Are Citadels For In PoE 2?

In Path of Exile 2, Citadels are a unique type of map node that comes in three varieties: Iron, Copper, and Stone. Each Citadel hosts a different boss, reimagined from the PoE 2 campaign with significant power-ups suitable for an endgame challenge. Defeating these bosses rewards players with a Crisis Fragment, which serves as a key to access the Burning Monolith, home to the Atlas pinnacle boss, the Arbiter of Ash. This key is essential for completing the "Pinnacle of Flame" quest, unlocked after your first entry into the Burning Monolith map and inspecting the locked door.

• Iron Citadel: Home to Count Geonor (Act 1 boss), appearing as a large city with black walls.
• Copper Citadel: Hosts Jamanra, The Abomination (Act 2 boss), resembling a large encampment circling the map node.
• Stone Citadel: Features Doryani (Act 3 boss), resembling a stone pyramid similar to the ziggurats in Act 3.

Upon discovering a Citadel, players must use a Tier 15 Waystone or higher to travel to its map node and activate it. Like other maps, you have one chance to navigate through and defeat the boss without dying. These areas are not only crucial for obtaining Crisis Fragments but also offer the chance to secure exceptional loot. Once a Citadel is completed, it cannot be re-run, prompting players to explore the Atlas further for new Citadels.

How To Find More Citadels In PoE 2

With the 0.1.1 update, Path of Exile 2 enhances the visibility of Citadels by adding a large beacon of light above their location, visible through the Fog of War. This beacon helps guide players more efficiently to each Citadel.

If Citadels are not visible near your current location on the Atlas map, the best strategy is to move in a straight line in a single direction. This approach maximizes the area of Fog of War you reveal and expands your overall view of the Atlas map. Along your path, make sure to head towards any Lost Towers you encounter, as completing these will reveal a large area of Fog around the tower, potentially unveiling a nearby Citadel.

Each type of Citadel tends to spawn in specific biomes:

• Iron Citadels typically appear in Grass or Forest biomes.
• Copper Citadels are commonly found in Desert biomes.
• Stone Citadels often spawn along the coast of any biome.

If you're targeting a specific Citadel to gain access to the Burning Monolith, navigate towards any revealed areas on your map that match the appropriate biome type.

It's rare for multiple Citadels to spawn on the same screen of the Atlas map when fully zoomed out. After finding a Citadel, continue your search by moving in a straight line in a different direction from your previous path.

With the 0.1.1 update, you should be able to spot Citadel beacons within a few screens of your revealed areas. If you still don't see any Citadels within the Fog of War, continue to follow the strategy of moving in a straight line, and you should eventually spot a beacon guiding you to your next challenge.